New Praise—and Criticism—for Antiretroviral Therapy
A new report by the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development (CAFOD) says that while antiretrovirals (ARVs) are extending lives in Africa, hunger and poverty remain life-threatening problems for HIV-positive people, IRIN/PlusNews reports (Plusnews.org, 7/18).
“The long-term sustainability of people on [ARV therapy] and the [treatment] programs are threatened by the continuing lack of food and economic independence,” said CAFOD, a U.K.-based NGO, in a statement.
ARVs had a significant impact on patients whose expectations had changed from “preparing for death” to looking for ways to sustain themselves and their families in the future.
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Then, Support Family Planning, , 2008-07-28 12:30:53
I always cringe when I read statements from Catholic organizations about poverty. If they were truly concerned about HIV, poverty, and the crisis in food and clean water, they would end their ban on voluntary family planning.
"I'm HIV positive and diabetic (as well as have high cholesterol) and some of my meds specify taking them with 'high fat foods' which I have to do twice a day. I've eaten as healthy as possible, but when it comes to high fat foods, I am in a quandary...about what to eat sometimes..."
